Times Are Changing Saudi Arabia Is Making Movies Now

Dubai Film Festival saw the screening of a new Saudi film that has competed and won in Europe At the Venice Film Festival. A Saudi film with the title "Wajdah" is the talk of town now. The director has made shorts before but this is her first full feature that has been filmed entirely inside the Kingdom.

The director Haifa Al Mansour who wrote and directed the film--she has also acted in the past. This is a movie to celebrate and learn  from--you really cannot limit the human spirit. Saudi Arabia is a conservative society that has shun entertainment--especially the one where females appear. The Sundance Film Institute has supported the film and the director and helped them get into more festivals.

The movie has German producers, making it the first Khaliji--Gulf film brought by a cultural collaboration between Europe and the Gulf region.

"وجدة" فيلم سعودي في المحافل الدَّوليَّة

Despite Clashes, Cairo International Film Festival Presses On

Violence no violence, the celebrities of the world ain't going to stop a party even if Cairo is on fire. The organizers wanted to party so they argued if we do not hold the Cairo Film Festival this year, we risk the event being taken out of the international film festivals agenda. They had to cancel it last year due to the brewing political and social climate.

So the 35th film festival saw the light despite the many hiccups it had--like the minister of culture forgetting his speech and a number of clashes few blocks away. More than fifty films were screened, certainly half of them did not have audience.  Few international filmmakers were present and you will see some of them speaking to the camera. North African cinema was alive and well in the film festival.

Joe Bou Eid won the best director category about his movie filmed in Beirut about his parents love story. and A French film won the best film.

cairo film closing 20121213

Tickets: Adnan Sami To perform in DC on April 12th at the Patriot Center

Per Wiki

(Urdu: عدنان سمیع‎,Hindi: अदनान सामी) is a singer, musician, pianist, actor and composer. with a command on Indian and Western Classical/ Semi-Classical notes, Jazz, Rock & Pop music. Born to Naureen and Arshad Sami Khan in London, United Kingdom, he is a Canadian citizen of Pakistani and Indian ancestry and currently works and lives in Mumbai, India. Having received his formal training in Indian Classical music from the famous Santoor Maestro Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, his music merges Asian and Western music styles and instrumentation. His career has ranged from Classical Music (Indian and Western) to Jazz to modern Pop-Rock.

He will grace our Nations's capital with a once in a lifetime show at the Patriot Center

For Information click here, Who will be going? You cannot say you know world music without skipping over India and if it's India, Adnan Sami is the man for all music seasons.

Noor-E-Khuda - My Name is Khan 

Hala Turk Sets Jalast On FIRE

The Gulf people like to have a good time, they spend loads of money on their parties, the good news those parties are so much fun as the people spare no expense to make them special. But the bad news only dudes dance on camera. Women can sing, but cannot dance.

Dudes, do not mind those Jalasat they mix with ladies within reason. But the guys are the only ones who can show off their dance moves--just like they do in Dupont Circle here. I have always wanted to be there for one of those sessions. The clip below from the biggest produced Jalasat assembly. Watch Hala Turk and Mashael sing their song in both Arabic and English.

Something tell me those ladies are not your typical Gulf ladies, they duo have a chemistry where they play mother daughter. You do not get many songs in languages other than Arabic, but it took this very cute and clearly spoiled girl to break the mold

#جلسات_وناسة_2013 - مشاعل وحلا الترك "بنيتى الحبوبة"

Not A Sausage Fest--The First Ever Saudi Art Festival

Citizens of the world do not equate Saudi Arabia for being the patron of art, to the contrary, they have a reputation for limiting freedom of expression in that land. But know this, the biggest Arabic music producer, promoter and marketer is Saudi Rotana. the biggest Arab TV networks are based in Saudi Arabia or funded by the Saudis.

In fairness, Saudis do these things away form home, in an effort not to offend the most religious and conservative elements in that country.--Lebanon and Egypt is where most of their work ends up being filmed and recorded.

for for the first time in their recent history, Saudi Arabia had an event where they have honored a dozen of Arab entertainers from TV and from the music scene. The organizers  said in their remarks  "We have a routine in Saudi Arabia, and we want to overcome that". The organizers boasted about producing 18 dramas last year. The city of Jaddah was the home of this event--at some hotel. Natacha the young and bubbly pop singer was the face of the festival.

I first thought the people would be in attendance are just men. But then pictures do not lie, see for yourself, the new Saudi Arabia? The event was organized under the foresight of prince Mohamed Bin Naser Al Sud, and the panel of judges was all Saudis.

مهرجان الإعلام العربي بجدة يكرم الفنانيين

I Won't Drink Lebanese Arak "Ouzo" Song

The most popular grownup drink in the Great Syrian area is Arak. Araq is a highly alcoholic spirit (~50%-63% Alc. Vol./~100-126 proof) from the anis drinks family. It is a clear, colorless, unsweetened anise-flavored distilled alcoholic drink. It is the traditional alcoholic beverage. It's also popular in Turkey and Cyprus under the name Ouzo!

One Lebanese singer thought to celebrate this drink by singing a folklore song about drinking Arak and smoking a hookah. It's a party song that mentions a number of other alcoholic drinks including Whiskey and Tequila. I have seen people form those countries party, and they do a great job at the bar, smoking lunge and they take the party to the dance floor.

The song is very passionate about someone who is chasing after a lady who is giving him a hard time and making him dance for it.

Lara Scander Parties In Beirut "About A Girl"

Egyptian pop songstress Lara Scander spends most of her time in between Beirut and Egypt--Egypt for marketing and TV interviews and Beirut for making music. Her most recent trip to Beirut was a meeting with her and a number of media outlets and friends who attended the launch of her pop album "About A Girl"

While the album released about a year ago, it was buried by all the political turmoil sweeping throughout Arabia. The album has more than a dozens songs in English, Italian and French, there's only one Arabic song and that song was shot in a music videos. As far as I can tell, the album was never formaly lunched or released in Egypt.

The meeting took place in an upscale Beirut district of AlJmizah at Rose Restaurant. This is a light pop album where dance is theme. The song was about forgetting the pain, and singing instead.


لارا اسكندر :تعالو غنوا معايا"

Arabic Christmas Albums Are Coming From Lebanon This Year

Few months ago, Christmas season all over the world, and as everyone knows, it's not full blown Christmas until you start hearing that music. Lebanon is helping Arabs celebrate this lovely over commercialized holiday with music. In the past they had to listen to American songs, last year, they have received new albums with Arabic songs to help ring in the season

1. Yara is finishing her All Christmas album, with six tracks and a feature song by Lara Escander. This is Yara's first album in more than three years. The songs are composed by Nizar Francis and music is the work of Jan Mari chi. We wait for this album to see if the music will make you want to shot yourself or not. The cover album will feature a Christmas tree and chocolate to celebrate this very happy occasion where happy memories for the little ones are shaped. 
2. Julia Boutrus is also doing an album of 10 tracks, she recorded it life with the orchestra in Prague. Some of the songs will be celebrating the Virgin Mary. Lebanese composer Michael Fadel is involved with the music and he has shared a photo of his work trip with Julia who has confirmed the news. There will be hymns and festive songs. This album seems like a great production. anything with live music takes itself seriously. 

An Arabic Christmas Carol (Byzantine Hymn of the Nativity)



 

Dubai Shopping Festival 2013 Concert With Omar Khairat

Egypt's most seasoned and better known classical music composer and pianist Omar Khairat will be standing in the city of Dubai early 2013 for a concert. Omar Khairat  is the type of composer and pianist  you would love in any language and in any country. He makes original and inspiring music.

Omar has been part of the Egyptian music scene since 1959 when he joined the music conservatory. His music has graced dozens of films and TV shows. He is a guy that means business and never repeats himself. So for him to hold a concert in the city of Dubai where a global audience will await him is a big deal.
Omar Khairat in Dubai on 4 Jan 2013.

Omar is the pure the sound of the East made in away that Westerners can appreciate. He also teaches courses around the world including in England. He regularly performed at the Cairo Opera House and all the Egyptian and Arab ceremonies. Omar Khairat is a gift to Arabic music, and he has manged to make a career with a commercial success and without insulting his audience.

Omar Khairat in Dubai on 4 Jan 2013


عمر خيرت Omar Khairat - ''Slovenia'' - 2008

Nawal Loves Children But HATES Sandy

Lebanese pop songstress Nawal Al Zogby in the city of Dubai where she was doing a charity function. But her good deed went punished as reports of Nawal interfering to deny pop star Sandy an appearance at the same charity function. Nawal did not comment on this matter, but Sandy took issue and made a press conference about the ordeal.

Sandy wrote half a dozen press releases about the incident and is making a headache to the Lebanese pop star. Now Egyptian stars want answers as this has become an issue of national pride. Nawal flew first class from Beirut to sing in a posh hotel to benefit the little ones. If charity was her goal, why would she stopped another songstress from doing a good deed? 

نوال الزغبي تحيي حفل مركز راشد رغم الإرهاق

Valentine Day Concerts And Arabs Who Obsess About It

Jordanians, Iraqis, Syrians, Egyptians and folks from the Gulf shelled top dollars for Valentine day concerts in Beirut. Of course not every Arab singer can have a concert, only those voices that have done love songs. Among those names is Ayman Zabib, the Lebanese charmer who knows how to party and take the party to those who are too serious.

He had a great year last year, and it seems he is working his way back into the market with this concert. I am starting to think Valentine day concerts are a bigger deal in Arabia, more so than the rest of the world. For people who have a reputation for being hateful and teaching their kids to hate, Arabs are a sure lovers on this day.

Just look at the video from the concert, people just want to love and be loved and not just on this day. Ayman laughed his way to the bank. He works hard for his money, and his Lebanese dance and romance is on high demand. As for the ladies Myriam Fares took her dance moves and her pop songs to a mega concert--the room was packed with overweight dudes and less than attractive women.

She is a treat, and she seems to do fine when she is singing, not when giving speeches. She dresses for the occasion and brings out her inner dancer during her songs. Her concert goers get two for the price of one a music performance and a dance show.

ايمن زبيب في سهرة عيد العشاق


ميريام فارس في سهرة عيد العشاق في الموفنبيك

Joe Ashkar @ His 015 Album Launch Party

Joe Ashkar released an album with 15 tracks last year, he titled it 015. It was a major step for the Lebanese party singer and charming entertainer. As you can see from the pictures for the CD launch party, he is a likable guy among the local Lebanese singers who attended his party.

In his new album he does sing in more than his native Lebanese dialect--he goes to Egypt and the Gulf for the first time, he sings in those dialects. He composed some songs himself, and a song he wrote for his own mother. He gave an interview and talked about the CD and the events. Joe makes a lot of music videos and tries to market himself....I just do not feel he is a hot concert ticket outside Beirut where he owns a club. His wife is always next to him, talking him up.

It seems some of Lebanon's funniest actors and stand up comedians have turned out for the CD launch party. He has done well for himself in the past 15 years when he entered the music industry.

جو أشقر: أنا مغامر ومعاكس دائم للتيَّار

Fun With Miss Egypt Sara Khouly سارة الخولي ملكة جمال مصر

In case you haven't noticed, the people of Egypt have finally got some religion and people with religious agendas. That means some worry for the entertainment industry, others weep beauty contests. Those things were never too popular with the masses, they are a creative way for business people to promote their products. Government can also help boost tourism. And yes dirty old men get to hang out with flaming hot young women.

One of those women is none other than Sara Khouly, the young women that won the Miss Egypt title two years ago. She was placed on the throne in 2010 and has taken part of the Miss Universe of that year. But this year and in 2011, the competition won't be held. Blame politics and instability in Egypt. Sara is Croatian in one part and spend most of her life in the obsessive city of Dubai

Sara was crowned Miss Egypt World 2010 on July 7, 2010 in Cairo. A student at the American University of Sharjah at the time. Eventually, on October 20, 2010 she represented her nation at the Miss World 2010 beauty pageant, held in Sanya, China. But Sara did mange to win when she represented Egypt at the 2011 Miss Mediterranean pageant held in Nicosia, Cyprus. She beat out 14 other contestants and took home the crown and title.

In fairness, none of the Islamic parties has issues a call to cancel the competition, but it seems that none of the business people offered funds needed to hold this event. We have to remember that most Egyptian publications chose not to publish the images of the bikini shots for the competition out of respect for local tradition and customs.

سارة الخولي ملكة جمال مصر

The High Schooler That Electrified Arabia

Carmin Soliman is the undisputed Arab Idol--she is the first. And she did it while she was in high school. The girl that comes from a family who likes to sing and lovely parents who are strong supporters. I feel Carmin can do no wrong, she seems like a bright young women with a great voice. Carmin is someone who has musician training, and passion to make good music.

She has not made her own tracks yet, but all the covers she has performed live and on the show indicate she has all the right equipment. She is a princess whose future seems to be rosy  She has shown grace, real emotions and real ability to sing in more than one language  She laughs in interviews, she speaks like a real person would.

So far, Egypt has booked her on dozens of public events, and she has performed  alongside big names, this is a great star for a young talent. Hear her do a cover of this classic hit for Abdel Halim during her performance at the MBC Egypt launch.

وانا كل ماقول التوبة كارمن سليمان افتتاح MBC مصر

Egyptian Rap Discovers Auto-Tune مهرجان الراب المصرى - أم سى أمين وسادات و فيلو وتوزيع حاحا

Rappers have finally found a way to appeal to the people who got no education and no money, use auto-tune to tell them your message. Therefore four rappers from Egypt's poorest areas put together a rap festival where Auto-tune was their fifth wheel. That means each and every song on this album project has been blessed with the auto-tune treatment.

For some reasons, Egypt's poorest find this technology fun, and therefore performers from those areas have been using and abusing the technology. While most rappers in Egypt are preoccupied with the politics of the country  those rappers are concerned about making it through the day. They tell tales from their blocks and random residential areas.  

MC Amin, Saddat, Felo & 50 - Mahragan illRap ElMasry - مهرجان الراب المصري

Despite Its War On Mali, France Gives Special Award To Diva Magida

Lebanese diva Magida Al Roumi picked another award at the French embassy in Beirut. The embassy that likes to think, they play some kind of role in promoting culture by their actions. Magida Al Roumi was giving this special recognition. The award came right after Magida returned from a sold out concert in Qatar where imagination, dreams and good art came to play.

The embassy wanted to do this even in Paris, but Magida insisted on having the award event in Beirut where he home and his family is. Magida wanted to bring some cheers and joy to Lebanon at those difficult times. The award is designated for artist and literary figures. Yes, but France is waging war in an African country at the moment. But war should never get in the way of a good party.

Magida spoke about the award, the very cold weather in Qatar, note how low her voices is. The surprise guest is Magida's mother who was in attendance. Other Lebanese celebrities attended the event and brought their best wishes. 

فرنسا تمنح ماجدة الرومي وسام الفنون والآداب الفرنسي
   

A Typical Press Conference For A Pop Star

Pop Star Mohamed Hamaki felt his album was not selling as well as it should, so he held a press conference where he announced a new edition of the album with added bonus DVD and a concert pass for whatever concerts he holds for a year.

To hold the event, they have rented a fancy hotel room, got the manger from Nogoom Records to talk shop, the artists and his manger. It was an intimate event with the star and few press people who seem to be more of fans than critics.

The impressive thing is that album has been produced by a radio station who has decided to put out an album. Thus, a radio station has branched out to a music label now. Their first star they produce for is Hamaki. The business manger talked about the business side and the behind the scene. Hamaki picked them over other production companies.

Glad to see a new company coming out in Egypt to produce good wholesome Egyptian pop. I love the part when someone asked him about a song where he thinks the music has been ripped from a Western song. Hamaki called out the guy on that in class though.

حصري | ملخص المؤتمر الصحفي الخاص بالبوم "من قلبي بغني"

Amr Diab Picks The Next Amr Diab (Wafae Chikki/Mohannad Zohair)

The fresh idea of a star picking the young talents who can best perform his own songs is pretty awesome. Through his radio and social media outlets two voices have been picked by the votes of Arabs based on their performance of a beloved Amr Diab song.

Amr Diab has picked five voices, the ones you see in the video below. And then the audience had more than a month to vote them in. This plan generated so much buzz online and offline, it was one of those creative ideas that has win-win written all over it.

Amr Diab Academy - The 5 Finalists الفائزون بالمرحلة الثالثة


The votes came in, and the first winner is Moroccan native and German resident Wafae Chikki who did a fine job covering one of Amr Diab's most romantic songs. I think Wafae tells me you can never be too young  to enjoy the modern classics. Amr speaks to you, and the language does not matter.

Amr Diab Academy We Malo Wafae Chikki


The other winner is the song of Egypt Mohannad Zohair who owned the song and reminded us of many emotional songs Amr Diab has given us. Mohand did give it his best shot, but now he is in the spotlight and he is form the motherland, so he has to shine.

Amr Diab - Medley | Mohanad Zohair - ميدلي | مهند زهير



Those are two great voices, and I hope to hear more of their own original songs. The award cemony was held in the Four Season Cairo. Mohannad and Wafae are set to appear next to Amr Diab in his next big concert. This is the opportunity of a lifetime.

Needless to say this is a smart business idea to drum up support for Amr Diab's social media presence. Where his academy received about 1000 submissions and more than 100 thousand people have sent in their votes. I am sure other stars are now thinking to copy Amr Diab and do their own competition. Either way this is a good way for internet hooked young people to stand out.

Amr Diab Academy (English Subtitle) أكاديمية عمرو دياب

Nicolas Saadeh Nakhleh: Please Don't Kill People ضد القتل نقولا نخلة سعادة

It's kinda of a given that one should not murder people. But UNESCO knows the truth is complicated so they collaborated with one hot Lebanese composer and singer Nicolas Saadeh Nakhleh on a song that pleas to our common sense. Don't Murder People.

But for UNESCO, most of their money comes from countries that murders people by rockets, airplanes, and drones. They cannot tell those countries not to murder people, so they do around the world telling people not to murder people using the money they have gotten from the world powers that do murder people.

I am a fan of Nicolas Saadeh Nakhleh, he makes good and real music. He is an underrated singer with a strong showing. His songs comes with subtitle song which is being aired by MBC network. The song is about people murdering others, just like animals who murder to eat. We can live without murder he sings. This is a song that will land nowhere because those who murder do not watch TV, they are too busy.   

We murder for love, we murder for honor and we murder out of hunger he also preaches. He is singing for whom  It's vague he keeps. But I would rather have this son and not one more lame pop song with the same old tune. We have brains, we should find away. The press conference for the release of the song got some heated exchange when a journalist thought, the dictators should be murdered or something like that. Watch the press conference


ضد القتل نقولا نخلة سعادة


نقولا سعادة نخلة واليونيسكو يطلقان حملة ضد القتل

Adel Ogla In Virginia Concert With @UTN1_Band

Iraqis like to party and one of the voices that gets them to put on their game on face and swing is Adel Ogla, the man of the blues infused with Iraqi dance music. The Iraqi star is holding a mega concert with the band UTN1 on the second of February in Alexandria Virginia.

The well traveled Iraqi artists who is on demand for concerts thrown by Iraqis living away form home. Ogla and UTN1 will give the people a taste of home. I know they will also perform other pop favorites to bring a percent nights to their concert goers. I like how they bring Iraqi families in droves to attend their concerts. I resepct that, this is not an evening for testosterone filled young men doing goofy things.

Aside from the great music, the cheerfdul company, I am sold for the buffet and the atmosphere.
Adel Ogla Party in Vancouver, Canada Khala ya Khala عادل عكله


Adel Ogla - Khulfallah 3aleek.wmv